NAPPERVILLE, Ill. – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Showalter Roofing Services Inc. of Naperville with four alleged willful safety violations for exposing workers to fall hazards at a commercial roofing jobsite in Wheaton, Ill. The company faces an $87,600 fine.

"Falls are a leading cause of injury and death in the workplace. Showalter Roofing has a history of failing to provide fall protection for workers at a number of other worksites," said OSHA Area Director Kathy Webb in North Aurora, Ill. "OSHA is committed to ensuring that all workers are provided a safe and healthful workplace."

OSHA began its inspection in June as part of a local emphasis program on fall protection. The citations are for failing to provide fall protection for employees who were signaling crane operators while working on the commercial roof; failing to erect flags delineating work areas; and placing warning flags too low and too close to the edge of a building. A willful violation is one committed with intentional, knowing or voluntary disregard for the law's requirements or plain indifference to employee safety and health.

Showalter Roofing previously has been cited 15 times for violations regarding fall protection.

The company has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to assure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.

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